Kuala Lumpur: A total of 717 arrests were made between 2020 and 2024 in joint operations by the National Registration Department (NRD) and various enforcement agencies to combat identity card forgery and the unlawful possession of another person’s identity card.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah stated that 320 individuals among those arrested had been charged in court under Regulation 25(1)(e) of the National Registration Regulations 1990. He stressed that the ministry would not tolerate any involvement in such crimes, whether by external parties or internal officers, highlighting the importance of identity cards as critical national documents.

The Deputy Minister assured that any officer found guilty of participating in these illegal activities would face strict action, underscoring the government’s commitment to securing the country’s identity protection. He made these remarks during a Question Time session in the Dewan Rakyat while responding to a query from Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah). She had inquired about the timeline for the Home Ministry to intensify efforts in apprehending those involved in passport and identity card syndicates.

Additionally, Shamsul Anuar revealed that the ministry, in collaboration with the NRD, is planning to introduce a new identity card structure with enhanced security features. This initiative aims to prevent forgery and protect national security from syndicate activities. A study on the country’s data privacy infrastructure is also being conducted before the rollout of the new identity card, ensuring that it meets the latest technological standards.